Third Row Seats 2011 Limited

[RSR]

Hi,
I had two top line Taurus wagons and on each one I removed the third seat upholstery and had a great hidden under the floor storage area.
Anyone considering doing this with a 2011 Explorer limited?
Thanks.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Not me.

 

[JustB_Rad]

If you took the 3rd row seats out, it would no longer be hidden......

 

[Edgieguy]

Pictures? I'm not sure I understand... Like someone else said, if you removed the third row what's hiding it?

 

[brick1554]

I removed my third row tonight, I will post some pictures once I figure out how. My main reason was:
A) Don't need
B) I am working on making a bike rack to fit inside the back.

I race bicycles all summer long and can't stand to leave my race bikes open to the elements as I travel.

 

[brick1554]

I will probably build some sort of a deck to level it out and carpet it. Then use the 4 existing stud bolts to secure the decking. Then lay out my fork mounts and tire guides on the decking to complete my bike rack.

The old setup in a Mazda 3

 

[JustB_Rad]

I will probably build some sort of a deck to level it out and carpet it. Then use the 4 existing stud bolts to secure the decking. Then lay out my fork mounts and tire guides on the decking to complete my bike rack.

The old setup in a Mazda 3

I would see if you could mount a bar the thickness of the front axle over the spot where the seat mounted, which would "Lock" your front in, and then your rear tire could just sit in the well, and you could just throw a strap through the rear tires with the floor eyelets so that your could keep the back from bouncing.

 

[ATLcanuck]

Somewhere, a hard working Ford assembly empoyee is gouging his eyes out with a phillips screwdriver. ;-)

 

[brick1554]

That is nothing compared to watching a brand new car get dissected and parted just for research.

I will put out a disclaimer though, you have to take most the trim pieces out of the rear to take the seat out. It can be a little tricky, but I have had a lot of practice. I broke one clip, but luckily it was a redundant one. I will still probably get a replacement at the auto store in a few days.

 

[RSR]

Good Job brick1554 and great timing, thanks!
If you care to detail what was involved that would be very appreciated.
As far as the Ford Assembly guys are concerned, they put together a very well made Truck (I like saying Truck) and if it takes a three or so hours to remove the third row seats, it should take that amount of time to put them back in if and when you might need them. Not having them there opens up a lot of space for "my stuff". If there were five people in my Explorer and I suddenly needed room for a sixth, I'd be able to deal with the situation. I wonder what I would have done had the third row seat been an option.

 

[brick1554]

I will try and make some sort of DIY this weekend. Really you just have to be super careful removing the massive side panel trim pieces.

 

[1tufgt]

Nice work.

 

[Edgieguy]

Wow, no wonder you don't want your bikes on the roof. Very nice rides.

 

[MikeCallery]

Not too hard

I knew that I wanted to do this from the get go and after seeing it done here, I approached the task this past Friday and found it a little tasking but not overly bad.

In short, you have to remove the inner body panels on both sides and the one on the aft end of the trunk in order to gain good access to the bolts that hold the seat rod in place. The panels are a good size though very light and both have a few clip in connectors on them, but once they are out, the seats are simply four bolts. I also went a step farther then these pictures and removed the rear seat belts.

As for the hidden storage, I plan on taking a 4' x 4' piece of 3/4 plywood and sketching out my husky cargo liner on top to get a good fitting cut out. The plywood will easily fit on top and a few areas to secure it down and then I'll have dual piano hinges to gain access to the wheel well and the area behind the rear seat. The sides of the plywood will be painted to blend in and the top will have a nice carpet type top to blend in naturally with the car.

Hopefully I can brake loose this weekend to start working on the top as everything else has been knocked out already.

 

[RSR]

Mike,
Good on you for moving forward on this project. I've personally been too busy to pursue the job but no doubt will. I would very much appreciate staying in the loop.
Thanks!

 

[MikeCallery]

I am going to try and do a write up on how I approached this while at work tomorrow. Anyone interested can send me an email at mikecallery@gmail.com and I'll be glad to send you my write up once I am done.